Beltane Issue Year of the Reform “LIII” May 22, 2015 c.e. Volume 32, Issue 3
Editor’s Note: Once in awhile you step back and disappear, and when you come back, you are touched by how much people missed you and how much you missed their light & joy they bring into your life.
Beltane and Samhain always wrench me back into Druidic mode, regardless of how bogged down in the rut of daily work I have immersed myself. Nature is doing amazing show and all my friends have gotten off their duff to try to put together a great event. It’s a good time to reappear and remember the joy of Druidry.
-Mike the Traveller
Deadline for Summer Solstice submissions is June 5th Send to [email protected]
We invite you to join our Facebook groups such as: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2455316244/ RDNA https://www.facebook.com/groups/reforned.druids/ RDG
Table of Contents
News of the Groves Druid Poems Druid Blogs & Links Druid Videos to Enjoy Druid Pictures Daniel’s Solitary Druid Service
NEWS OF THE GROVES
Carleton Grove and Oakdale Grove: News from Minnesota
Sunday on a Saturday. A small group of the Oakdale Grove went down to Carleton this past Saturday. It was sunny and mostly clear with a dapple cloud here or there but mostly blue. The wind was gusting along and left a few of wondering if we'd been sunburned or windburned or both. We went to the Hill of Three Oaks. We were meeting with David Franquist. While we waited there was Rugby, Women's Rugby, on the pitch that looks like it'd be used for American Football. When they'd finished their game they, like other Carleton sports teams gathered at the Hill of Three Oaks to have their after game party. We let them know we'd be meeting with a couple of students and an alumnus and told them we'd be meeting them here and then we'd be able to move along. About 12:45PM, John Michael Martens blew his carnex by the crossroad near the rec center, near the second pitch where guys had just begun a match of LaCrosse. We noticed that Franquist approached as the rest of us upon the hill were met by Maddy. It became apparent as we met more on the field side of the LaCrosse game, that we'd need to move our activities elsewhere. So we decided that Monument Hill would serve our purposes. Thus we moved and set up a simple altar of a flat stone, a cup and some cedar smudge stick. John began the ritual, the COW of Sleep, the COW of Winter. (COW, Common Order of Worship.) During the mediation we heard a story from Franquist about "What is the light of the people?". We then continued to the ordination portion of the ritual. Here we were greeted with two who sought to enter the Order of Belenos.
Each was asked to kneel and gave a question. Each gave his answer. Then they greeted the Sun with outstreched arms and upon each was placed a yellow/gold ribbon of office. Then Franquist gave them one more gift. It would not be by his hands that they would be officially priests of Belenos but by Belenos himself they would be granted the final blessing of being made his priests. I'd like to formally thank Mr. Franquist for his lovely service of ordination. I'd also like to formally congratulate Earl and John Michael for being of the Order of Belenos.
Recent new hand-bound edition of Book of Third Order by John M
Raven’s Grove: News from Quebec
Online Raven's Grove Poetry contest - Beltane 2015 Concours en ligne de la Clairière du Corbeau - Beltane 2015 100 mots maximum 100 words maximum Soumettre avant 20h00, le 30 avril 2015. To be submitted byThursday 30th April 2015, before 8pm.
Artwork in the Photo section of this issue See the Poetry section of this issue.
Tonights Bards are: Jennifer Mike Karen Julie Valarie
Congratulation to Jennifer You are the Raven's Grove Beltane Bard of 2015 !!!!
RDG PICBADGE IS REBORN!
TAG The old PicBadge was deleted and unable to be found within the great aether, and the link from our website has stopped working. Personally I blame the Nargles, but in the end the old badge is no longer available. Jon Lenin found this out and has kindly created a new (and we think, better) version. Please go to http://www.picbadges.com/Community/5525b1b6844a9d9b77d1f55e to get yours so that we build numbers for this. MYNT /|\
NEW! NEW! NEW! THE DRUID PATH VERSION 17 of RDG Mostly it tweaks the grammar and reconciles differences between the written Final Exam in the text and the one online. But it's still the newest version and the only one approved for use, so..... For a limited time, we're offering the download version for $4.98 (that's $5 off). Get your's at this link: http://avalonrisen.com/index.php… Download: The Druid Path v.17 [RDG-DP16-DWN] - $4.98 : Avalon Risen Collective Avalon Risen Collective Download: The Druid Path v.17 [RDG-DP16- DWN] - A comprehensive and humorous study of Druidism within the confines of Neo-Paganism. A must for anyone called to the Druid path. The lessons are the result of years of study, drawn from this bibliography, and the experiences of th… AVALONRISEN.COM|BY THE ZEN CART® TEAM AND OTHERS
MOCC News:
Crowns For Dubast and the MOCC Tulsa Convocationry HM Violet and Archdruid Harris are considering the procurement of crowns of office for Dubast and the Tulsa Convocationry, respectively. Regalia, always a part of the MOCC ritual life, has begun to spread beyond the ritual space. Banners, which have been stored away since Autumn, will begin flying again on the Feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross, on the 3rd of May.
"Where our banner is, there we are", a common refrain heard on occasion in the MOCC, illustrates how important the banner is to us. While it appears to be just a nice little heraldic display, in reality it is a rallying point. Most often used in parks to show our members where our site is so that we can gather in one place, it can also be displayed on doors of meeting rooms in, say, public libraries, used at social and environmental action gatherings, and to mark homes belonging to our members in times of crisis.
The Staff and the Stole, most common ritual regalia of our clergy outside of the robe, are more frequently used these days when regalia is used in ritual at all. Most usually it is only in high ceremony that it regalia is used at all, in fact, with our general preference being for comfortable street clothing. The use of a crown is a fairly recent innovation, however, and represents the growing amount of teachings concerning Sovereignty that have plagued our Order since 2005. With the occasional government shutdowns that have occurred, the MOCC has had to step up our charitable workings over the years, and our networking within the tribal aspect of our group. Whereas the staff and the stole represent the clerical aspects of MOCC life, the crown aptly represents the secular aspects of what we are sometimes called upon to do to meet the needs of our people.
Dubast, on the other hand, was resurrected as an RPG first, and then migrated to a cross between role-play and micronational status. Recently chosen by lottery, Her Majesty Queen Violet has been reviewing potential crowns for the pending Coronation. The crown, in the case of Dubast, represents her growing independence from the laws of the MOCC and the more or less continual line of existence and evolution from the days of the Shire of Gryphon's Rooste and House Drunken Dragon, through the RPG years, and now into a new manifestation with growing emphasis on, again, Sovereignty of the Dubastard Throne.
BELTANE REUNION May 2 at 1:00pm to May 3 at 9:00am in CDT Carleton College Cowling Arboretum 1 N College St, Northfield, Minnesota 55057
Right where it all started! The Arboretum at Carleton College is the ultimate pilgrimage for American Druidism. See the north side of the obelisk on Monument Hill that describes the mysteries of druidism. Touch the sigil carved long ago into the altar stone on the Hill of Three Oaks. Feel the Earth energy within the standing stones of the Druids Circle. Vigil by the bonfire in the Druids Den. Meditate in the labyrinth on Stewsie Island. Walk in the footsteps of 55 Carleton Arch-Druids. Partake of the Waters-of-Life in our unending quest for Awareness.
MAY 2: 6:00 PM Meet at Monument Hill, wait for the call of the Oakdale Carnyx, Casgen y Ceffyl to begin the procession.
DRUID POEMS
COME GATHER ROUND I'VE A STORY FOR YOU! Come gather round I've a story for you, It happenned I swear! It did and it's true! A procession of torches and wild wind whipped robes, It took place one night down a dark country road. The air it was swirling with wind, rain and snow, The druids came bouncing along the Quail house row. Chanting I heard and uncommon drum talk, Towards the old oak, I saw one bare foot as she walk. They formed a great circle and lit a great blaze, Papparazzi snapping photos, the clan was unfazed! Dancing dragons took the night and the "laughing" Druid took his seat, The chatter begun as one poured out the mead. They started talking turkey and sharing wise words, and agreed with each other who was the Tolkien nerd. Late in the fair as the fire died down, they all stopped, they all silenced "WHAT WAS THAT SOUND?" A growl? A hum? A few whispered words? T'was the Will o' the wisp? No... t'was just a bird.... In 3 different toungues, a fanciful supplication, Asking for courage, justice and all good intention. The clouds broke apart, a shinning moon in it's frame, The clan tilted their cups and shout out "HAIL! BELTANE!" The night wore on and the mists rolled in, Forest fairies dance the Maypole, by the morning left a ring. The clan whent on, THEY WENT ON ALL NIGHT! "CARAAACK" went the thunder, "DRUID DOWN!!!" "hey you allright?" Laughter and mirth came with the new day! "You went arse over head!" ... it's still funny today.... Now I ask, is this dream? I ask you if its true? Does this sound familiar, has it happenned to you? These are my memories and they won't be my last, for long in the future, I'll remember the past. So come gather round, I've a story for you, I was once ask "how do I hang my nuts?" I swear it's true! ~j.anglehart, april 2015~
To be in those woods, what a treat! Yet I lay, far away, alone here in bed I hide my Druidism to be discrete And actions speak what must not be said. Although I trudge amidst the concrete I carry a forest within my head. -Mike the Traveller, 2015
The three I's..... Pilgrimage-- Mantra --Chant--As I Walk I wear the crown of thought for they are my own As I walk I open the third eye to the mysteries of my soul I seek Guidance My throat gives way to the spell of my words As I walk My heart beats with the passions of my life I seek purpose My gut twists with the instincts of my reality As I walk My backbone provides strenght to my lessons I seek strength My root is the pleasure of my dedications As I walk I am the welcome in my smile I seek healing I am the song in my ear As I walk I am the wisdom in my hair I seek gratitude I am the love in my embrace As I walk I am the knowledge of my mistakes I seek light I am the growth of my family As I walk I am the magic that is me I seek remembrance In the eyes of..... As I walk the Earth I am her daughter, and she my balast I see humility the Wind I am its charge, and it my companion As I walk the Water I am its wake, and it is my vessel I seek compassion the Fire I am it's flame, and it my rite As I walk the Spirit I am it's gift, and it my compulsion I seek grace the Ancestors I am their promiss, and they are my source As I walk the Universe I am a link. and it is my humanity. I seek spirit All of this has shaped me, As I walk as I have shaped my truth I seek love ~j.anglehart 2015~ --Karen March 15, 2015
Prayer for Pilgrimage As I walk toward you I walk home Blessed (Autumn) Equinox, Southern Style My heart sings with anticipation Come gently darkness, Invocation of my endeavour to be worthy The growing season behind, In preparation of pilgrimage, I bow my head in Oceans tell us stories humbleness With the passage of time I ask to understand fully what it is I seek Turn, winds, turn, The strength to endure these steps This season shifts towards A path to walk, a calling to fulfill Darkness, after a generosity Surrendering the sacrifice freely Of light. Tada gan iarracht/Nothing without effort I call to the Southern Ocean May the strength of the tree flow through my staff It tells me "Autumn" is its name, Making this way worthy, a way to offer gratitude Just past the ninth wave, Learning endurance to enlighten blessings Just past my vision. Mother I ask for your strength as well Is that night I see coming? Touch gently my feet as I make this journey Earlier again? Please help me to see through the fog, to see clear light Stars unfold sooner, Allow my intentions to be fruitful A leaf falls and stands on edge. Considerate of all my sisters and brothers "Come, come the night", To feel empathy and compassion always Whispers the land in an old song, As I walk, I trust in your sincere knowledge The moon swallows the sun, then withdraws, To see the spark in my heart helping it to glow evermore Keeping a little for good measure. As I walk toward you I walk home -John D ---Karen 03-15-15
I’ve tried and tried to be a Bard. ancestors calling I’ve thought all day, and thought so hard. calling me home I’ve thought of trees and leaves and light, home where the heart is and thought some more with all my might. ancestors singing Alas there’s nothing in my head, singing of truth Nothing written, nothing said. truth ever flexible I found I’ve used a lot of time ancestors living trying to think up a Beltane rhyme. living dreams Tomorrow morning when I arise dreams to enjoy no doubt I’ll rhyme like someone wise. ancestors being -Valerie being not forgotten
forgotten to remember
-Hennie Blessed Equinox
Day and night
In equal measure,
We stand on the edge, days drag on As the progression pauses monotonous Briefly single tuned The days grow longer, and ever sliding more At this point, nights are gone And let us relish in the invigorous Lengthening days every wound Lengthening moments that imagination has in store Lengthening opportunities. twilight Swift flowing creek, the place to be Silent watching tree, let me wonder At home at the waters edge, and let me slowly see The sun pours promise and blessing: -Hennie Fire for this day!
Fire on leaf, branch, and stem!
Fire on the water, reflecting the sky!
Blessings, ever more this forgetting Balance, relying on vague visions Bounty, and echoing statements As the wheel turns again. of living under the light -John D of love and rejoicing
in the greatest harmony
and yet, I speak never did I forget I love, I love the wind in the trees I love, I love sunlight on my skin all or moonlight shimmering -Hennie never did I forget the harsh words the hitting hands the spitted words never did I forget the hope you brought the sheer joy the deep feeling the gift of life the heart to heart the hand in hand this love will never end -Hennie
one day, the open winds will blow my body free the King has turned away to Tir na nOg from me from me from me to Elvenhome don't go don't go don't go to every home there be says she says she says she one day, the sails will set so love is just a joke and bring me over sea he sighs he sighs he sighs to Everland don't leave don't leave don't leave to More-than-home she cries she cries she cries to whatever hope can see echo's echo's echo's one day, the land will sigh of another daily tale when there is no more me we try and try and try in Where-to-go but fail and fail and fail in Live-ever-slow -Hennie in lands of grass and tree I will rejoice ar away I will just sing there's a lover's call and find the very last key and I but can obey -Hennie far away my body will fall in spirit I will stay to other lands brain-dead messages to other lives of heartfelt joys to other lovely hands almost not words to other minds but esoteric signs to other hearts for the living my light forever stands these have meanings -Hennie beyond laughter and tears Je suis vagabond du temps et des idées, brain-dead visions Dans l'espace entre le temps et la réalité of the Hinterland Je cherche sans chercher, where all is One J'explore pour mieux voir Otherworld in truth Tenter pour constater but forgotten Provoquer et agacer brain-dead assumptions Pour nourrir l'esprit trop souvent constiper of a brain-dead poet Je m'inspire pour mieux saisir -Hennie Je m'amuse dans ma muse Dans la simplicité et la facilité you're so past ratio now Humble je dois-être that you're purest love À écouter et questionner no room for second thought Pour mieux m'enseigner et de me renseigner not even for firsts for that matter Voilà que j'exploite ma liberté your notions and intuitions -Sébastien Beaudoin (26/04/15) fresh and uncontrolled your hardship of the old-days acted out in living memories of a half a century ago I can only accept and hold on -Hennie
DRUID BLOGS Helgaleena had not updated this season. https://helgaleena.wordpress.com/
MOCC Free Voice is a new page with Thomas’ help https://www.facebook.com/moccfreevoice1
Ellen writes on an upcoming workshop on tree magic TREE MEDICINE TREE MAGIC May 29, 2015 at 3:30pm to May 31, 2015 at 4:00pm 119 Cherry Ct Matamoras PA 18336 http://elleneverthopman.com
OBOD’s Druid Pod cast 97 Interview with Sarah Miles, Silbury Hills http://www.paganmusic.co.uk/druidcast-a- druid-podcast-episode-97/
New episode of Celtic Myth Podcast – Mabinogian episode http://celticmythpodshow.com/news/2015/04/new- mabinogion-show-episode-40-betrayal-in-the-nursery-is-now-available-for-you-to-listen-to/
OBOD’s American Druid Magazine their first issue is now out on ritual, gamic circles, turning of the wheel, Philip Carr Gomm interview, fox’s tale, witch brew story, Recipees, 3 ritual herbs, http://www.druidicdawn.org/files/Aontacht%20-%20Volume%207%20Issue%202%20Small.pdf
Druid Dawn released its Spring issue of Aontacht magazine with articles on ritual, a book review on witch tales, a clever fox story, and 2 recipees and an article on herbs in ritual. http://www.druidicdawn.org/files/Aontacht%20-%20Volume%207%20Issue%202.pdf
AREN newsletter has not come out yet for Beltane http://aren.org/newsletter/
John Bennet blogs on earth day, solitary ritual, prophecy, obnoxious people, polytheism, listening, building, collapse of society, Sabbat album, nonreligious pagan guide, pagan ethics, pretensions at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/author/johnbeckett
Nimue blogs on affection, superiority, troubled heart, day jobs, gender identity, crazy poets, dog story, fast food, dark journey, sex initiation, heat, faeries, not meditating, crisis & gratitude, tribe, deep time, making mistakes, https://druidlife.wordpress.com/
Shimon recommend 7 great mazes http://io9.com/seven-of-the-most-beautiful-botanical-mazes-on-earth- 1700775810?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_facebook&utm_source=io9_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
Shimon recommends a wonderful group in Wales promoting the spiritual practise of sweat lodges.. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sacred-Fire-CymruWales/250457534969498?ref=ts&fref=ts
Sebastien recommends the Patheos blog on “Beltane Pas: Fire and Folklore” http://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2015/04/what-do-we-really-know-about-beltane/
Penny recommends a Patheos blog on “Beltane a solitary ritual” http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2015/04/beltane-a-solitary-ritual.html
Ellen recommends a video on “Before Scotland” part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnqFzy2_fsU
Penny recommends the classic Witchbox article on Beltane http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=holidays&id=2765
Karen recommends Celtic Myth Podshow on Early Celtic women http://celticmythpodshow.com/blog/early-celtic- women-of-ireland/
George recommends the Druid’s Rede to orient caregivers http://thedruidking.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-druids- rede.html
Druid Videos
Mike recommends the hilarious First of May https://youtu.be/O-77ElyvRxI
Seb recommends Shilan’s “Beltane” https://youtu.be/NkeSSlydJhI
Jamie recommends The bouncy Druid song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLWyWj2cmq4#t=58
Mike & Penny recommend Celestial Elf’s “Beltane Blessing” https://youtu.be/VElZSplpxQc
Penny recommends WEAVING THE SUMMER https://youtu.be/i1Te4wYjdbQ
Penny recommends Huron Fire Dance https://youtu.be/LY-JN4Hwwps
Penny Recommends Hymn to Herne https://youtu.be/IFJ3ScrZ1sU
Penny recommends Firebird’s Child https://youtu.be/Y9RV-Wgottw
The classic Hal an Tow song https://youtu.be/pDo5HjU1Nfk
Penny recommends Damh the bard under a Beltane sun https://youtu.be/0odTEkOtloQ
Druid Pictures
John M Sun and Oak near sunset, me warming up for the Third Salutation of Day (Salutations by Emmon Bodfish) at Hill of Three Oaks, Carleton College Arboretum
Sebastien
New sigils spotted on horse-gate leading to Druid Den at Carleton “Shamanic Journeys” – Sebastien
Music critics in ancient Brittany tossed this bard in a ditch
John M spots a sigil in office artwork.
Discovered by Joel’s studies
Daniel’s Solitary Druid Service
Thought I would share how I Honor the Earth Mother as a Soltary Druid.
Solitary Rite to the Earth Mother: For this you will need a Small Bowl of water, a small branch of greeny, a Chalice of Water, and a Bell.
Ring Bell: I Am Hear to Honor the Earth Mother, may She uphold my Rite. Touch the Ground: I Hallow this Land for this Druidic Rite.
Use branch of greeny to sprinkle water around space: I Cleanse this Space with the Waters that flows from the Earth Mother's Womb.
Raise Chalice of water: I ask the blessings of the Earth Mother Upon this Water, her pure essence. Drink from Chalice: May I Never Thrist.
Place branch of greeny upon ground, pour remaining water over it: I return a small portion of the Earth Mother Bounty to her, asking her to bless me as I Journey down the path of the Druid.
Spend some time meditating upon the Earth Mother. Ring Bell: The Earth Mother has been Honored, this Rite is ended, may the blessings of the Land, Sea, and Sky go with me.
Peace, Peace, Peace
Some books for the solitary druid
DRUID INQUIRER INFO
Publishing Information
Title: Druid Inquirer: A Scrapbook of the Reformed Druid Communities Editor: Michael the Fool
Published: 8 times a year. No mailed copies, just free on the internet, print your own. Submissions Policy: Give it to me! If you have news about your grove, written a little essay, like to write up a book or move, have a poem, saw an interesting news article in the paper, or have a cartoon, send it in to [email protected] I’ll try to give credit to whoever the original author is, and they retain the copyright to their works, and we’ll reprint it one day in a future binding also. Nasty works will not be published. Although my standards are not skyhigh, incomplete works will be nurtured towards a publish-able form, so send those earlier for assistance. Submissions are accepted from other publications and organizations, so you need not be a formal member of the RDNA to have your items published.
Deadline for Summer Solice June 10, 2015